Numerical simulation of 3D angle-interlock woven fabric forming and compression processes

This paper provides a modeling method for predicting the internal structure of three-dimensional (3D) angle-interlock woven fabric. Inspired by the digital element method, the numerical model of micro-scale was established by using truss element. The numerical model was compared with the Computed Tomography (CT) cross-sectional scan of the actual fabric sample, and the results were consistent. The mechanical properties of the 3D angle-interlock woven fabric is closely related to the fabric’s structure. Therefore, by changing the tension at both ends of the yarn tows to explore the influence on the yarn tows’ geometry, it was found that different tensions affects the cross-sectional areas and crimp angles of the yarn tows. On the basis of fabric forming, multi-shape molds were designed to press the fabric into different shapes, which were semi-hexagonal, arc-shaped and L-shaped. The results of numerical simulation showed that the fabric will undergo inter-layer slip when compressed, especially in the region where the mold deformation is large.